Five wrestlers test positive, suspended

Five wrestlers, including four medallists, tested positive for banned substances during the November 8-11 Senior National Wrestling Championship at Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.

The five have been provisionally suspended pending a hearing. They have agreed to the 'B' sample testing, which is yet to be done.

Of them, four were attending the national camp in Sonepat, Haryana, and have been told to leave till the issue is sorted out. "The moment we received information of the positive tests, the players were told to vacate the camp," said chief national coach Vinod Kumar, who oversees the freestyle event.

According to sources, Balraj and Manoj, winner of bronze in 55kg freestyle, failed the test. Sukhwinder, who finished fifth in the same weight category, has also been suspended.

Jitender, silver medallist in 74kg, is also on the list. Manish (60kg), winner of bronze in Graeco-Roman, is the fifth wrestler to fail the test.